Word of Mouth: Brooks Brothers ‘Mad Men’ Launch
Last night, Brooks Brothers celebrated the launch of their "Mad Men" edition suit, designed in collaboration with the show's costume designer Janie Bryant. Inspired by the sharp style of the early '60s, the suit has a trim fit and period details like narrow lapels, diagonal pockets and side vents. The cool "static" grey color of the suit evokes main man Don Draper's look specifically, said Bryant. "But modernized."
Bryant has worked with Brooks Brothers on wardrobe since the beginning of the show, utilizing the company's archives to help recreate the look of the era exactly. Everything – from the tailoring and buttons to the colors and patterns – is mined for accuracy. Bryant designed the "Mad Men" edition suit with similar attention to detail, ensuring that the look is slick but not overly retro – and flattering. The limited edition line of 250 suits will sell in select Brooks Brothers locations nationwide and online at their website. They're $998 a pop and will be available through the "Mad Men" season finale on November 8, 2009. After that, could an outerwear, accessories or women's line be in the works? "Oooh, I don't know," Bryant said. "That'd be great, but we're going to take it one step at a time and see how this does...how cool would ties be, though?" Very, we say.
We spotted "Mad Men" characters Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser), Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis), Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) and Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) roaming the store and – yes – swilling some martinis. They were decked in Brooks Brothers and out to support Bryant. Maybe it was the motown tunes by DJ Paul Sevigny, all the well-dressed gents, or the old fashioneds we downed, but things were feeling very Sterling Cooper last night on Madison Avenue!
October 2009
Paper Magazine